COLLECTION OF SAMPLES. 



Four sampling agents were employed, beginning work April 1 when fertilizer 

 stocks were moving freely. The collection season lasted through May, and two 

 men were retained during the early part of June. Territories were assigned as 

 follows: James T. Howard, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hami:»shire coun- 

 ties; George H. Kelton, Middlesex and Worcester counties; Harold J. Berry, 

 Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable counties; and Percy Milbery, Essex, Norfolk 

 and Suffolk counties. 



The following statistics are noted with reference to the season's feitilizer collec- 

 tion: 18,763 sacks were sampled, representing 6,652 tons of fertilizing materials; 

 175 towns were visited; 1,610 samples, representing 478 distinct brands, were 

 drawn from stock found in possession of 533 agents or owners. At 219 other 

 agencies no samples were drawn, 16 having discontinued selling, and others having 

 sold out or not having received their fertilizer at the time of the sampling agent's 

 visit. 



